Benayoun confident RVP will stay

Yossi Benayoun says he expects Robin van Persie to stay at Arsenal "for a long time", despite the skipper being linked with some of Europe's top clubs.

Van Persie's 35 goals this term are sure to make him one of the most sought-after players in this summer's transfer window, and he has already been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus. The Dutchman only has a year left on his contract with the Gunners and has delayed talks over a new deal until the end of the campaign.

Arsenal endured protracted speculation over the futures of Cesc Fabregas and
Samir Nasri before the pair exited the Emirates last summer, and will be determined to avoid the same scenario with Van Persie.

"I think everyone knows it's important (that he
stays)," said Benayoun. "Each club wants to keep their best player and of course Robin is our best
player and he's proved it this season. I'm sure he will stay for a long time."

Benayoun joined Liverpool at the same time as Fernando Torres in the summer of
2007, and he believes the two strikers have a lot in common.

"I've been lucky to play with some of the biggest strikers and Robin at the
moment is one of the best in the world," said Benayoun.

"When Fernando was on fire at Liverpool and scoring a lot of goals, for me
they are on the same level. With Fernando you knew every game for Liverpool he could score, especially
with a player like Steven (Gerrard) behind him.

"With Robin we know we must give him the right balls and he will score, and
that's what he's done all season."